Orientation Information

New students who have paid the non-refundable enrollment deposit to the Office of Admissions will receive orientation information via mail or email. Please do not make travel plans and/or lodging reservations until the assigned orientation date has been confirmed in MyPortal. 

2026 Orientation Dates

Below are the details for the in-person orientation sessions for new students beginning classes at the College of Charleston. 

  • Orientation registration is open for new students who have paid their enrollment deposit.
  • There are a limited number of seats available for each orientation and these are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. As orientation sessions fill and we will not able to accept any more registrations, this web page will be updated as sessions reach capacity.
  • Women participating in Panhellenic recruitment in August must attend an orientation session in June or July as the sorority recruitment dates conflict with the August 13 and 14 orientation session. 
  • Visit the orientation website to learn more about orientation and how to register. 
Instructions for students accepted into the University Honors Program or the General Honors College: 
  • University Honors Program Pathway
    • Students admitted into the University Honors Program will be advised and register for classes virtually during the week of June 15. 
    • University Honors Program students attend an in-person orientation session August 12-15. Programming will begin after 5:00pm on August 12.
    • University Honors Program students will be able to move directly into the residence hall on August 12 for an additional early move in fee.
    • In May, University Honors students will be emailed information about their virtual course registration in June. University Honors Program students DO NOT have to register for orientation through MyPortal unless the student cannot attend the August orientation. 
  • General Honors College Pathway:
    • Students admitted into the General Honors College may sign up for any of the non -transfer orientations listed below. During orientation, students in the General Honors College will register for classes.
    • Students should register for orientation through MyPortal.  

To confirm if a student is in University Honors or the Honors College or if you have questions about the Honors College, please contact the Honors College.

Summer 2026 Orientation Dates  - Available for Registration (updated 5/4/2026)

July 10
Open to all transfer students

July 20
Open to all transfer students

July 23 and 24
Open to all freshman students; General Honors College information session included 

August 10
Open to all transfer students

August 12-15 - University Honors Program Only
This orientation is only for first year students admitted to the University Honors Program. 

  • Activities for the University Honors Program orientation will begin after 5:00pm EST on Wed., April 12. Details will be sent to the student's CofC email. 
  • University Honors Program students will be emailed the link to the University Honors Orientation registration form. University Honors Program students should NOT use MyPortal to register for orientation.
  • University Honors Program students participate in virtual advising and registration the week of June 15.

August 13 and 14
Open to all freshman students only who live FARTHER than 500 miles away from Charleston, SC. General Honors College information session included 

  • Students participating in sorority recruitment or Cougar Excursion will not be able to attend this session.
  • Students in this session have the option to move into their residence hall on August 12 for an additional early move in fee.
  • Freshman students attending the Orientation on August 13 and 14 will have a required virtual advising and registration session on July 22.  If you cannot attend this virtual session, a partial fall semester schedule will be created for you, and you can complete your course registration when you attend an in-person advising and registration session on August 13 and 14. Course options will be limited in August.  It is advisable for you to attend the virtual advising and registration day to have the best course selection.
    ***Students confirmed for the August 13 and 14 orientation session after 5/4/2026 will have a required virtual advising and registration session date assigned during the week of July 20.  They will be informed of the date and time of their virtual appointment on July 9.

Summer 2026 Orientation Dates  - Closed and at Capacity (updated 5/4/2026)

June 15 and 16 - Closed and at Capacity
Open to all freshman students; General Honors College information session included and SPECTRA student recommended

June 18 and 19 - Closed and at Capacity
Open to all freshman students; General Honors College information session included and SPECTRA student recommended

June 22 and 23 - Closed and at Capacity
Open to all freshman students; General Honors College information session included and SPECTRA student recommended

June 25 and 26 - Closed and at Capacity
Open to all freshman students; General Honors College information session included and SPECTRA student recommended

July 6 and 7 - Closed and at Capacity
Open to all freshman students; General Honors College information session included 

July 13 and 14 - Closed and at Capacity
Open to all freshman students; General Honors College information session included

July 16 and 17 - Closed and at Capacity
Open to all freshman students; General Honors College information session included